Charles-Valentin Alkan - Complete Organ Works, Vol. 2 (Joseph Nolan)

Information

Composer: Charles-Valentin Alkan

• 13 Prières, Op. 64
• 12 Études pour les pieds seulement
• Benedictus, Op. 54

Joseph Nolan, organ

Date: 2026

Label: Signum Records

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The second volume in a new collection of Charles-Marie Widor’s Organ Symphonies features acclaimed organist Joseph Nolan performing on the iconic Cavaillé-Coll organ at L’église de la Madeleine in Paris. Widor, whose family heritage and lifelong dedication defined the organ's French grandeur, established a genre-defining legacy that bridged the eras from Mendelssohn to Messiaen. Captured on an instrument historically associated with masters like Camille Saint-Saëns and Gabriel Fauré, Nolan brings his internationally celebrated virtuosity to this landmark repertoire. Formerly appointed to Her Majesty’s Chapels Royal, Nolan further elevates his distinguished discography with this masterful recording of 19th-century French monumentalism.

Joseph Nolan (b. 1974) is an English-born Australian organist and conductor renowned for his performances, recordings, and contributions to French organ music. He studied at the Royal College of Music under Richard Popplewell, furthered his training in Paris with Marie-Claire Alain, and completed postgraduate studies in London with Dame Gillian Weir. Nolan served as organist at the Chapel Royal, St James’s Palace, performing at Buckingham Palace, and in 2008 became Organist and Master of the Choristers at St George’s Cathedral, Perth. He is acclaimed for his recordings of Charles-Marie Widor’s complete organ works and has received numerous awards, including Chevalier of the Order of French Arts and Letters and a Doctor of Letters from the University of Western Australia.